Fun Facts About China

China is officially named the People's Republic of China and is a
single party state that is governed by the Communist Party of China.

While Hong Kong and Macau
are officially part of China, they are mostly self-governed so actually
remain quite different to the People's Republic, and they both have
their own currencies.

Since the 1990s it's incredible just how much China has grown
economically and it now has the second largest economy in the world.
Take a look around at how many items available in stores these days
have been made in China and you'll get some idea as to how strong their
economy is -- they are in fact the largest exporter of goods, though
oddly the second largest importer of goods in the world!

China is only the third nation, after the United States and the
former Soviet Union, to independently launch a successful manned
mission to space.

Beijing
is the bustling capital of China and it's situated in the north east of
the country. It's one of the most popular tourist destinations in China
because it has so much to offer.

Shanghai is another major tourist destination, and with a
population of over 23 million in its metro area this is China's largest
city. In fact, Shanghai is the largest city in the world and if you can
get past the busyness, you'll find a unique place with lots to see and
do.

Because visiting China is now much easier than it used to be it
has become one of the most visited countries in the world -- over 55
million international tourists visit each year, so behind France and
the USA, it's the third most visited country.

Over in the west of China is Tibet; the highest region on earth. It's home to the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, which stands 29,029 feet high.

It's regions like Tibet that make China such a varied country to
visit; the landscape here is so different to the landscape of the east
of China, or in the south, where there's actually a tropical climate
that gives it lush green scenery.

If you're planning on driving in China, they do drive on the
right hand side of the road here, but, if you go to Hong Kong or Macau
be on your guard, because here they drive on the left!